During the guilty plea hearing, the evidence showed that in 2011, while serving as a Deputy Sheriff in Tattnall County, Arnold began stealing drugs from the evidence room in the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office. In July of 2011, Arnold stole approximately 185 grams of methamphetamine seized by law enforcement as part of a drug investigation. Arnold later traded on the street the stolen methamphetamine for oxycodone, for his own personal use.

United States Attorney Edward J. Tarver said, “Police corruption, drug related or otherwise, leaves a permanent stain on the record of good works of our law enforcement community. Defendant Arnold’s conduct was deplorable and without justification. He stole evidence needed for the prosecutions of other defendants and then used that evidence to engage in the drug trade. Defendants, law enforcement officers or others, who enter into the world of drug dealing will be given sanctuary within the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Arnold faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $1 million and at least 3 years supervised release. A sentencing date will be scheduled after the U.S. Probation Office completes a presentence investigation.

The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlton Bourne prosecuted the case. For additional information, please contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201-2547.